Although this bra did stretch out a bit during our stretch recovery test in our Lab, it washed well, staying in nearly perfect condition after five wash cycles. The brand does recommend hand washing for best results. It offers medium coverage to show off a bit of cleavage while still feeling secure and covered. It performed well in our Lab tests, with minimal changes in appearance or shrinkage after laundering. We appreciate this brand's inclusive size offerings up to a 54 band size and H cup size. This brand designs its bras specifically for AA, A and B cup wearers, unlike other bras that may just be scaled down to fit smaller cup sizes. This bra is specifically designed to prevent gaping for a smooth fit under clothes — and testers reported that the brand succeeds, praising its great fit on smaller chests. The cups are lightly lined for modest coverage and shape without excess material. Because many people with smaller chests are forced to wear bras not properly designed for them, many testers were unsure of their proper size and had to try a few to find their best fit. No matter your figure size, having the best support comes down to ensuring that you have a shoulder strap that can adequately support your breasts. Bras that are designed for looks tend to have very thin shoulder straps, and for the larger chested lady. This can mean that you end up with awful indentations in your shoulders which can often be very painful. and uncomfortable, preventing you from going about your daily activities. In some cases, even causing headaches and permanent nerve damage.

Bra size – While you may think you need to opt for a size down, you’re actually supposed to choose your standard bra size. Minimising bras work to shrink your bust from the starting point.

A minimiser bra can reduce the appearance of breast size and help your favourite clothes to fit better

Key details – Band range: 32-44; Cup range: C-H; Material: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane; Care instructions: Machine wash; Colours: 4 Materials – Since one of the main roles of a minimiser bra is compression, the material they’re made from can’t contain too much stretch. Otherwise, the amount of compression will be compromised. Emma Seymour has been a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab for over four years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all different types of bras, including wireless bras, bralettes and sports bras. She studied Fiber Science and Apparel Design at Cornell University with research experience in product quality assessment. She updated the most recent version of this article with new testing data. Searching for your perfect bra can feel like a never-ending journey. For starters, there are so many styles to choose from — strapless, bralettes, wireless and more with differences in padding, closures and support. It can feel nearly impossible to buy one that’ll meet your needs, fit you properly and feel comfortable enough to wear all day long. On top of that, bras can get pricey, so you want to make sure you’re investing in a quality bra that will feel good, look good and hold up well over time. Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test bras of all kinds and have evaluated more than 200 styles with over 500 real users in the last few years. Altogether, we've collected upwards of 6,500 data points to help us find the best bra styles for different preferences and body types.

With f ull-coverage cups to avoid spillage, wide straps to reduce stress on shoulders and wide side panels that smooth to prevent bulges, this bra is your best bet if you're looking for all-over support. The cups are lightly lined so there's not too much padding, and the fabric feels smooth throughout and looks flattering under clothes. This version has an underwire for good separation, though it also comes in a wireless version that still proved to be supportive in our tests. And though the panels are stretchy, the bra still kept its shape well after we put it through the wringer in our stretch recovery and laundering evaluations. It held up well in our Lab tests without shrinking or stretching out. It also comes with removable straps so you can wear it as a traditional bra, halter, criss-cross or one-shoulder style. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and a wide range of band and cup sizes. In fact, this style was especially loved by people with full figures and larger busts.

The pasties

Luciani adds, "Obvious signs of wear and tear such as crushed cups, bent underwire, stretched out straps, broken or bent clasps and when the material loses its elasticity — all good signs it’s time to toss. Other signs that are maybe not so obvious are if it suddenly seems big or it’s not holding you up the way it should be! That may mean it’s time to replace." The best minimiser bras you can buy in 2023 1. Triumph Amourette 300 Minimiser Bra: Best overall minimiser bra While many bralettes we tested stretched out substantially in our Lab testing, this bralette proved to be durable. It received a perfect score in our stretch recovery test, returning to its original shape. It also barely shrunk after being machine washed on the gentle cycle and hung up to dry. Wear tests: Users with a range of band and cup sizes try the bras and fill out thorough surveys, scoring factors like the ease of putting it on and taking it off, fit, comfort, support, stay-in-place capabilities, visibility under clothes and overall appearance. Testers also have the opportunity to share comments about specific things they liked and disliked about each bra. In our latest test, our testers wore sizes that ranged from AA to H cups and 30 to 48 bands.

Washability: Each bra is repeatedly laundered according to its care label and assessed for aspects like shrinkage and appearance after washing. Key details – Band range: 34-46; Cup range: C-E; Material: 80% polyamide, 15% elastane, 5% cotton; Care instructions: Hand wash; Colours: 7 combinationsIt fastens using a standard hook and eye, and is machine washable for easy maintenance. Overall, this bra is ideal for those looking for a simple and affordable minimiser bra for all-day wear.